Research and education network leaders from across the Asia Pacific have signed a declaration in Auckland, New Zealand, to strengthen cyber resilience, amid growing concerns about the impact cyber incidents can have on the digital infrastructure that supports research, education, and international collaboration.
The Auckland Declaration of Intent on Cyber Resilience, signed during APAN62, commits signatories to work together on trust-building, preparedness, information sharing, incident coordination, and mutual support, where national laws and institutional policies allow.
Research and education networks play a critical role in enabling international collaboration. They provide researchers, educators, and institutions with access to data, advanced computing platforms, specialist facilities, and expertise. As these networks become increasingly interconnected, cyber incidents affecting one organization can have wider consequences across multiple economies.
Signing on behalf of the APAN/Asi@Connect Leaders Forum, Roshan G Ragel said the declaration recognizes that cyber resilience depends as much on trusted relationships as technical capability.
“Research and education networks do not operate in isolation. When one part of our community is affected, others may need to help quickly, share information, or coordinate a response,” he said.
“This declaration is about building that trust before it is needed.”
Ragel said regional cooperation is particularly important because research and education communities are inherently international.
“Our users collaborate across [economies], time zones, and institutions. The networks that support them need to be ready to do the same when disruption occurs,” he said.
“The declaration provides a practical foundation for strengthening cooperation while recognizing that each organization operates within its own national, legal, and institutional context.”
The declaration also links regional efforts with the Global Security Policy Alliance (GSPA), an international initiative that aims to strengthen security cooperation among research and education networks worldwide. Signatories will explore the establishment of a regional chapter, or a similar structure, while maintaining local priorities and autonomy.
The declaration was signed by Amber McEwen, Chief Executive Officer of REANNZ, Shinji Shimojo, Chair of the APAN Board, Jungsu Song, President of TEIN*CC, and Roshan G. Ragel.
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